Algeria has bought around 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of optional-origin milling wheat in a tender for a nominal 50,000 tonnes which closed on Tuesday (Dec 27), according to European traders on Wednesday.

It was thought likely to be of South American origin but EU supplies could not be ruled out, traders said.

The tender had sought March shipment which would be more difficult to achieve in South America, traders said. Most likely South American origins would be Argentina or Brazil, traders said.

Price was unclear but thought to be below US$275 a tonne c&f.

Algeria bought between 400,000 to 500,000 tonnes of wheat in its previous milling wheat tender reported on November 16, also thought likely to be sourced from South America.